PERSONAL PARS

Grey River Argus, 26 November 1920, Page 4

PERSONAL PARS

Mr. T. Gomer, avlio was at one time foreman of tho New Zealand Railway Workshops in Greymouth, was an inward passenger by last evening's express.

Mr. J. H. Price of the Windsor Private Hotel, Christchurch, arrived by last night's express. The many friends of "Comrade" will be pleased to welcome him back on the Coast to talk over the old fighting days.

The death is recorded of; Mr. George Pimpernell, one of the oldest fesidents of Stafford, aftre a long illness. He lived 52 years in Westland, and was a gold miner. He reached the ripe age of 89, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He leaves three step sons Hugh (Waitaha), George (Stafford), William (Hokitika), and a daughter, Miss Linklater.

The nui'sing saff of the Grey River Hospital made a presentation to Nurse Armstrong yesterday. Sister Braidwood presided and spoke of the many good qualities of Nurse Armstrong and wished her long life, good health and happiness. On behalf o*f the statf she presented Nurse Armstrong with a handsome cake casket suitably inscribed, which the recipient suitably acknowledged.

An old and highly respected Kumara resident, Mr John Holmes, passed away yesterday at Hokitika, and many friends throughout the West Coast will sincerely regret to learn of his death. He had been a resident of Kumara for the past 30 years, following the occupation of a blaeksmitli to Davidson Bros, and Mr T. Walker. He was a splendid tradesman. His age was 73, and he was a natice of England. He leaves a wife and five daughters amongst them being Mrs F. Gembitsky of Greymouth to mourn the loss of a loving husband and father. The funeral will take place at Hokitika.

Prior to his departure from Reefton members of the Reefton Jockey Club met at Stapleton^s Hotel, Reefton, on Wednesday to express their appreciation of Mr. E. J. Scantlebury's to the Club, extending over many years. The President, (Mr. Stapleton) in making the presentation (a handsome travelling rug) said they were losing a valuable member. After the health ot Mr. Scantlebury had been drunk Messrs Perotti, Chettle, Phillips, Patterson, Hughes, • Discaciati and O'Regan, suitably endorsed the President's remarks. Mr. McMahon, President of the Trotting Club, also thanked Mr. Scantlebury for his services rendered to tho Trotting Slub. Mr. Scantlebury suitably thanked the President and those present.

The death occurred at Reefton on Tuesday evening of Mr. John Watt, of Mawhera-iti, after a long illness. Deceased, an ex-Sergeant of Police, was born at Auckland in 1855. He served in the armed constabulary, ana went through the Maori War, and was mounted orderly to Colonel Roberts for fifteen years. From the constabulary ho was transferred to the police force, being first stationed at Westport, then Greymouth, Ahaura, Okarfto, Helensville, where he obtained promotion to Sergeant of Police, then to Auckland, and finally to Rotorua, where he retired through illhealth. After leaving the force he was in business successfully at Matata Auckland, Papakura, Helensville, and Okarito, and a couple of years ago ho bought the hotel and farm at Ma-whera-iti. He leaves a widow and family of five sons— Harry, George, James, John and Bert — and two married daughters for whom the greatest sympathy is expressed.

Mails which left Wellington on 14th October per the Marama, via San Francisco, arrived in London on Tues-

Dalgety and Co. report selling . on account of MichelL Bros., Rotokohu; 678 acres; on account of Mrs Kennedy 130 acres, and 2 freehold sections at Hokitika.

i The Okarito racing committee haying received a permit from the Government have issued their programme for the race meeting which is to take place on the 27th December.

The first test match, England v Australia will be commenced at Sydney on December 17th. In all,, five tests will take place, two at Sydney, two at Melbourne, and one at Adeiaide.

'Mr. P. R. Climic reports lack of cement is the cause of delay at the Otira tunnel, there being only 20 tons a week for months past, while 50 tons weekly arc needed to keep up tho roof for thTce shifts. Lining for 33 more chains is needed to complete the tunnel in eight months. But with delay of cement it will take 20 months instead of 8.

At last night's meeting of the Greymouth Borough Council the local branch of the W.E.A. applied to the Council for support. It is proposed to hold a conference in Greymouth in November, and delegates from various local bodies have been asked to attend. Crs. Doogan and Naylor were appointed to represent the Greymonth Borough Council. Yesterday Mr. H. Allison, Rector ot the State School, announced that the examination for the Watkins' medal this year was a win for Master Phillip M'Donald (Blaketown) 323 ma^ks. Master Ken Duncan (317) was second and Master John Bagg (315) third. The pupil who obtains the highest marks in the proficiency examination wins this trophy.